Tanzania's iron lady: Who is Samia Suluhu Hassan?

Tanzania's iron lady: Who is Samia Suluhu Hassan? (Photo: Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

In March 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan made history by becoming Tanzania's first female president and the first to be born in Zanzibar. Her ascent to the presidency marked a significant moment in East African politics, as she took on a role that had traditionally been the preserve of men.

Born on 27 January 1960 in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, Samia Suluhu was raised in a family that valued education. Her father was a schoolteacher and her mother was a homemaker; together, they instilled in her a strong work ethic. After completing her secondary education in 1977, she began her career as a clerk in Zanzibar's Ministry of Planning and Development.